Navigating Change in Home Health Care: Adapting Post-COVID-19 Waivers
Author: Tom Maxwell
Posted Date: July 18, 2023
As the COVID-19 pandemic's public health emergency (PHE) ended on May 11, 2023, home health providers are bracing for several changes, including the end of waivers that have allowed them to operate more flexibly during the pandemic. The conclusion of these assessment and submission waivers presents new challenges for home health agencies (HHAs). Agencies will need expert guidance to navigate the new landscape in the absence of these waivers.
Transitioning Staffing Models
One significant change is the end of the therapy assessment waiver, which allowed therapy staff to complete the initial or comprehensive assessment for patients where therapy was not the qualifying service. This waiver was put in place in March 2020 to help home health agencies deal with staffing shortages during the early days of the pandemic. With the waiver no longer available, HHAs will need to revise their staffing models to ensure that nurses are available to perform assessments within the required timeframe.
The Impact of OASIS Completion Timeline
Another significant change is the end of the OASIS 30-day completion waiver. This waiver allowed home health agencies to have 30 days to complete the comprehensive assessment instead of the usual five (5) days. It provided HHAs with flexibility during the pandemic when staffing challenges were prevalent. However, with the waiver no longer in effect, HHAs must return to the regular assessment timeline, completing the comprehensive assessment within five (5) days. This change places additional pressure on agencies, necessitating careful resource allocation and efficient workflows.
Challenges in the Home Health Landscape
In addition to the conclusion of assessment waivers, home health agencies are facing other challenges as well:
- Rising Costs: The cost of providing home health care has been increasing due to inflation and the growing complexity of patient needs. HHAs must find ways to manage these rising costs effectively.
- Staffing Shortages: The nationwide shortage of qualified home health care professionals further exacerbates the challenges faced by agencies. The scarcity of personnel makes it increasingly difficult to provide care to all patients in need.
- Regulatory Changes: The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) are making changes to home health regulations, adding to the complexity and requirements that HHAs must navigate. Staying compliant with these regulations while providing high-quality care is a constant challenge.
The Role of Maxwell Healthcare Associates (MHA)
To address these challenges and ensure compliance, HHAs can turn to organizations like Maxwell Healthcare Associates (MHA) for assistance. These organizations offer a range of services to support HHAs:
- Compliance Guidance: Maxwell Healthcare Associates (MHA) provides expert guidance and consultation to help HHAs understand and adhere to the regulatory requirements set forth by CMS. They assist in implementing compliant processes and documentation protocols.
- Operational Assessments: MHA conducts assessments to evaluate the efficiency and effectiveness of an HHA's processes, documentation, and overall operations. They provide insights and recommendations for improvement.
- Training and Education: MHA offers comprehensive training programs tailored to the needs of home health care providers. These programs cover compliance, documentation, and best practices in patient care.
- Ongoing Support: MHA is committed to providing ongoing support and guidance to HHAs. They address compliance inquiries, assist with process improvements, and help HHAs stay updated with regulatory changes.
As the COVID-19 pandemic and its associated waivers come to an end, home health agencies face a period of transition and adaptation. The conclusion of therapy assessment and OASIS completion waivers adds complexity to an already challenging landscape. However, by collaborating with organizations like MHA, HHAs can navigate these changes successfully. Through their expertise in compliance, operational assessments, training, and ongoing support, MHA empowers HHAs to ensure compliance, optimize operations, and deliver high-quality care to their patients. By embracing these resources and adapting to the new landscape, HHAs can continue their mission of providing exceptional care to those in need.